Innovative plant-based ingredients producer – Roquette has announced investment of €40 million in its Vic-sur-Aisne facility in France – aiming to increase its pea processing capacity and respond to a fast-growing global demand for pea protein.

The new expansion is expected to establish the company as a global food, nutrition and health leader.

Earlier this year, Roquette announced a €300 million brand new site in Manitoba in Canada – which is also an investment into pea protein production. Both the facilities – in France and Canada – will represent a combined annual pea processing capacity of nearly 250,000 tons by 2019. They are expected to provide pea protein solutions globally and will target the markets in North America and Europe.

With rising health consciousness among consumers, new consumer habits and sustainability challenges, plant proteins for human nutrition is in high demand. Pea protein, particularly, has many benefits for not only consumers but also farmers, given its environment friendliness. It is a great source of protein, with numerous applications in gluten-free foods, vegetarian foods, sports and slimming foods, clinical nutrition and mainstream food.

For more information on pea protein and pea starch markets in Europe, attend CMT’s 2nd Starch World Europe on 16-17 October, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary.